Books matching: richly drawn characters
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- #1The Shadow KillerBook 2 in the series:Reykjavik Wartime Mystery/Flovent and Thorson Thrillers
Save:'The Shadow Killer' in the series 'Reykjavik Wartime Mystery/Flovent and Thorson Thrillers' by Arnaldur Indridason is set in WWII Iceland where the occupation by British and American forces brings societal changes and challenges. The story follows local policeman Flovent and Canadian military cop Thorson as they investigate a murder case that quickly unravels into a complex web involving both military and civilian players. The author vividly captures the historical setting of wartime Iceland, highlighting the internecine rivalries, societal norms, and the impact of the occupation on the local population.
The writing style of the book is described as capturing the essence of wartime Iceland, with richly drawn characters and a twisting plot that keeps readers guessing until the end. The story unfolds with a brisk pace, offering a blend of historical context and intriguing mysteries, while delving into the evolving relationships between the main characters, Flovent and Thorson.
(Also, see 27 recommendations for the series Reykjavik Wartime Mystery/Flovent and Thorson Thrillers ) - #2
Save:Set in England between 1895 and 1919, 'The Children's Book' by A.S. Byatt follows the intertwined lives of the Wellwood family and their acquaintances, focusing on Olive Wellwood, a successful writer of children's fairy tales. The novel delves into the complexities of the family dynamics, dark secrets, and the struggle of the children to navigate adulthood amidst the backdrop of a bohemian Edwardian England. Byatt intricately weaves together themes of art, writing, fairy tales, and political movements of the time, providing a vivid portrayal of the era and its societal struggles.
The book is a sprawling narrative that explores the impact of art on its subjects, the challenges of differentiating between fantasy and reality, and the toll that history takes on individuals as they navigate through life. Byatt's writing style is described as detailed and rich, with a focus on historical accuracy and intricate character development, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience.
Two boys stood in the Prince Consort Gallery, and looked down on a third. It was June 19th, 1895. The Prince had died in 1861, and had seen only the beginnings of his ambitious project for a gathering... - #3
Save:'Crossings' by Alex Landragin is a unique and unconventional novel that offers readers the option to read it in two different ways, either straight through or by following an alternative sequence suggested within the book. The story revolves around souls crossing bodies over different time periods seeking each other out for various reasons, emphasizing themes of love, immortality, and the complexities of human connections. The book weaves together multiple genres including historical fiction, fantasy, and elements of horror, creating a narrative that spans across different eras and locations, from the South Pacific to wartime Paris and New Orleans.
The novel is structured as a collection of three interconnected manuscripts, each contributing to the overarching storyline of souls intertwining through history. Landragin's writing style is praised for its cleverness and originality, with readers appreciating the intricate storytelling that reveals layers of mysteries and interconnected characters. The book's unconventional format, allowing readers to choose their reading order, adds an extra layer of engagement and intrigue to the narrative, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
AS I WRITE THESE words, it occurs to me that I have never known a tale to be so beyond belief as that which I am about to relate to you, dear girl. Yet nothing I have written has ever been so true. Pa... - #4
Save:Zorro by Isabel Allende is an origin story that delves deep into the characters, particularly focusing on Diego and his friend Bernardo. The book is set in a historical context, portraying Spain vividly and incorporating Native American culture brilliantly. The plot follows Diego's journey from his childhood in Alta California to his adventures in Spain, highlighting themes of love, honor, justice, and the fight against injustices of the rich.
Let us begin at the beginning, at an event without which Diego Ie la Vega would not have been born. It happened in Alta California, in the San Gabriel mission in the year 1790 of Our Lord. At that tim... - #5
Save:'The Best of Everything' by Rona Jaffe is a novel set in 1950s New York City, following the lives of four young women working at Fabian Publishing Company. The book explores their struggles to find love, navigate their careers, and fend off unwanted advances in a male-dominated world. The story delves into themes of gender roles, relationships, and the challenges faced by single career women in the big city, with a touch of soap opera quality that some readers may find engaging.
The author, Rona Jaffe, portrays the lives of these women with authenticity and sensitivity, capturing the changing moods of New York City in the 1950s. The book offers a glimpse into the personal and professional struggles faced by the female characters, providing a moving and relevant narrative about single career girls in the city during that era.
You see them every morning at a quarter to nine, rushing outof the maw of the subway tunnel, filing out of Grand Central Station,crossing Lexington and Park and Madison and Fifth avenues, thehundreds ... - #6
Save:'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold is a poignant and haunting story narrated by a murdered fourteen-year-old girl, Susie Salmon, speaking from heaven. The book explores the aftermath of her death on her family and friends as they cope with the tragedy and try to find her killer. The unique perspective of the deceased protagonist offers a fresh and emotional insight into grief, loss, and the struggle for justice. The writing style is described as beautiful, clear, and powerful, creating a compelling narrative that delves into both the heartbreaking and hopeful aspects of the story.
The plot of 'The Lovely Bones' unfolds through Susie's observations from the afterlife as she watches over her loved ones and the man who took her life. The book touches on themes of coping with loss, seeking redemption, and the impact of a tragic event on relationships. Despite some readers finding certain aspects disturbing or slow-paced, the overall story is praised for its unique perspective, emotional depth, and thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and the human experience.
My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973. In newspaper photos of missing girls from the seventies, most looked like me: white girls ... - #7
Save:'Peter Darling' by Austin Chant is a retelling of Peter Pan where Peter and Hook, both fleeing from past traumas, find solace in Neverland. Peter, who is transgender and rejected by his family, and Hook, grieving his past, embark on a journey to seek something real amidst the whimsical distractions of Neverland. The book explores themes of love, acceptance, and self-discovery, with a unique twist on the original Peter Pan story, making it a captivating read for those looking for a heartfelt and poignant tale with elements of romance and fantasy.
"Of course," Peter said easily. He had swum through the ocean of stars, following Tink's directions to the second star on the right. They had burst out into a storm above the island and danced along t... - #8
Save:The Tartar Steppe by Dino Buzzati is a novel that follows the story of Giovanni Drogo, a young soldier who is stationed at Fort Bastiani on the border of the Tartar Steppe. The book explores themes of solitude, the futility of military preparations in times of peace, and the struggle to find purpose in life while waiting for something significant to happen. Buzzati's writing is described as sparse yet beautifully told, capturing the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere of the isolated fortress and the desolate steppe.
The novel portrays the protagonist's journey of waiting for glory and purpose in a setting filled with absurd military bureaucracy, monotony, and the passage of time. The narrative delves into Drogo's internal conflicts, his gradual acceptance of his isolated existence, and the haunting realization of missed opportunities and wasted time as he becomes entrenched in the routine and hopelessness of his post at Bastiani fortress.
He had himself called while it was still dark and for the first time put on his lieutenant’s uniform. When he had done, he looked at himself in the mirror by the light of an oil lamp but failed to fin... - #9
Save:Ghost Lights by Lydia Millet is a novel that follows Hal Lindley, an IRS agent who embarks on a journey to Belize to search for his wife's boss, T., who has gone missing in the Central American rainforest. The book delves into themes of existential crisis, infidelity, loss, and human dissolution, all while exploring the complex relationships between the characters. Millet's writing style is characterized by elegant prose, believable dialogue, and dark humor, creating a narrative that keeps readers engaged and intrigued.
The walls were kittens and puppies. Like other pet facilities he had seen—even the Humane Society, where he had taken Casey when she was six to pick out a kitten—the kennel trafficked in a brand of cu... - #10
Save:The Color of Lightning by Paulette Jiles is a historical fiction novel set in frontier Texas, following the life of Britt Johnson, a freed slave who embarks on a mission to rescue his family after they are captured by Kiowa Indians. The book intricately weaves together multiple viewpoints, including those of Britt, his wife Mary, and other captives, while also exploring the challenges faced by settlers and Native Americans in post-Civil War America. Jiles' writing style is described as vivid and descriptive, painting a rich and realistic picture of the conflicts and hardships of the time.
WHEN THEY FIRST came into the country it was wet and raining and if they had known of the droughts that lasted for seven years at a time they might never have stayed. They did not know what lay to the...
